CREDIT AND DEBT MANAGEMENT

Many of us have too much debt, and
we want to reduce or eliminate it.
Others use debt responsibly, for
example for a mortgage
on a house. However, if you are
feeling financially stressed, then
you likely have too much debt.

Why is debt difficult to deal with?
It is partly due to interest, which is the cost of borrowing
money. Banks and other
financial institutions lend money,
and in return the individual that
borrows the money pays interest.
The rate that individuals
pay varies depending upon their
credit worthiness and the type of
debt. For example, credit
cards charge some of the highest
interest rates, 8%, 10%, 18% or
more.

Here we include information on
credit and debt. Along with learning
about credit and debt, we also
include teaching
material to help teach
debt related money skills.

5 Reasons you may want
to Consolidate your Credit
Card Debt
Credit card debt is
expensive, because of the
high interest rates credit
card companies charge.
You may be able to save
money by consolidating your
credit card debt.
Here are 5 reasons why you
may want to consider
consolidating your credit
card debt.

Credit Report Basics
Here is some basic
information regarding the
credit report, which
includes your credit history
and credit score.
Understanding the report is
important, since the report
will influence your ability
to get new credit, and how
much interest you will pay.

5 Ways to Repair your Bad Credit Rating
If you are in debt because
your have spent too much
with your credit cards, or
because you have taken out
too many loans to pay for
your lifestyle, then your
credit rating is likely in
need of help. Here are
some tips for repairing your
bad credit rating, and
getting back to spending
within your means.

The Fair
Credit Reporting Act is
monitored and enforced by
the Federal Trade
Commission.

FINANCING

What Zero Percent Financing Really MeansZero percent
financing sounds good -- you
get something now and don't
have to pay for many months
later. However, be
sure to read the fine print.
Here is information on what
zero percent financing
really means.

STUDENT LOANS

Applying for Student Loans
When it comes to applying
for student loans, be sure
to educate yourself first.
Here is some advice and
recommended steps for
applying for student loans.

Information on Direct Loans for Students
Information on direct
government student loans
provided by the Department
of Education, and Federal
Student Aid (FSA) loan
programs. Learn about the
different types of student
loans available.

Paying for college is stressful in any situation, but with economic hard times facing many people, it becomes even more important to look for options that can help you to get your college student through school, or help you to pay for your own schooling costs.

Teaching Banking and Savings Accounts
An important part of
understanding debt is
understanding interest
rates. Learn about bank savings accounts, banks, and interest rates.
Also check writing and
checking accounts.